Ken Birdwell Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Ken Birdwell Foundation is a private foundation in Bellevue, Washington. In tax year 2024 it gave $13.4 million in 280 grants; the typical grant was $19,404 and the largest $1.5 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$13.4 million
- Number of grants280
- Typical grant$19,404
- Largest grant$1.5 million
- Assets$147 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2024 was down from $14.0 million the year before.
25% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $14.0 million | 204 | $100 million |
| 2024 | $13.4 million | 280 | $147 million |
How to apply
Ken Birdwell Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Ken Birdwell Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 137 | $6.9 million |
| Washington | 141 | $6.1 million |
| Michigan | 1 | $500,000 |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | $450,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Native Americans in Philanthropy | Capacity building support | $1.5 million |
| Decolonizing Wealth Project | Philanthropic partnerships grant | $500,000 |
| La Liga de Ciudades | Capacity building support | $450,000 |
| Rainbow Center | Capacity building support | $249,000 |
| Coalition on Homelessness | Capacity building support | $248,161 |
| Feest | Capacity building support | $230,000 |
| Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation | Philanthropic partnerships grant | $200,000 |
| Homeless Children's Network | Capacity building support | $180,700 |
| Mindful Life Project | Capacity building support | $170,201 |
| East African Community Services | Capacity building support | $170,000 |
| Pogo Park | Capacity building support | $169,333 |
| Young Women Empowered (Y-We) | Capacity building support | $168,667 |
| Center for Empowering Refugees & Immigrants | Capacity building support | $167,917 |
| Community Passageways | Capacity building support | $167,024 |
| Street Level Health Project | Capacity building support | $166,704 |
| Got Green | Capacity building support | $166,667 |
| Ventures | Capacity building support | $166,667 |
| Eastside Arts Alliance | Capacity building support | $166,309 |
| Utopia | Capacity building support | $161,500 |
| Urban Tilth | Capacity building support | $157,778 |
| Naam (Northwest African American Museum) | Capacity building support | $155,000 |
| Glover Empowermentoring Program (Gem) | Capacity building support | $150,000 |
| Naam (Northwest African American Museum) | Capacity building support | $150,000 |
| North Bay Housing Coalition | Capacity building support | $150,000 |
| Old Skool Cafe | Capacity building support | $150,000 |
| Intercultural Children & Family Services | Capacity building support | $138,817 |
| Family Resource Navigators | Capacity building support | $137,310 |
| Afghan Health Initiative | Capacity building support | $135,000 |
| Opportunity Junction | Capacity building support | $135,000 |
| Emergency Feeding Program | Capacity building support | $133,000 |
| Niad Art Center | Capacity building support | $131,050 |
| Somali Health Board | Capacity building support | $130,000 |
| Village Community Resource Center | Capacity building support | $124,942 |
| Neighborhood Clinic | Capacity building support | $112,423 |
| Partner in Employment | Capacity building support | $110,000 |
| Ukranian Community Center of Wa | Capacity building support | $110,000 |
| Center for Human Development | Capacity building support | $102,453 |
| Food Runners | Capacity building support | $101,550 |
| East Bay Community Foundation | Capacity building support | $100,000 |
| RVC Seattle | Capacity building support | $100,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Christina Engel
- Ed Lee
- Ken Birdwell
- Rebecca Spadoni
- Keith Vernon
- Maeve Elise Brown
- Trish Dziko Millines
- Leticia Landa
Questions people ask
Does Ken Birdwell Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Ken Birdwell Foundation give?
$13.4 million in tax year 2024, across 280 grants, with a typical grant of $19,404.
Who runs Ken Birdwell Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Christina Engel (Chief Executive Officer), Ed Lee (Chief Financial Officer), Ken Birdwell (President) and Rebecca Spadoni (Vice President) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Ken Birdwell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, youth programs and community development.